Red Velvet Ice Cream
Red Velvet Ice Cream combines the beloved rich cocoa flavor and signature tang of classic red velvet cake with the creamy, smooth texture of homemade ice cream. This vibrant, luscious dessert is perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence, offering a balanced sweetness with options for customization and dietary adaptations.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: About 1 quart (4 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Dairy & Liquid Ingredients
- 2 cups Whole Milk
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Sweeteners & Flavorings
- 1 cup Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 3/4 teaspoon Red Food Coloring (adjust to desired intensity)
Custard Base
- 5 large Egg Yolks
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
- Prepare the Custard Base: Warm the whole milk, heavy cream, and sugar together in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling. Gradually whisk the beaten egg yolks into the warm milk mixture to temper them, then cook gently, stirring constantly until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Add Buttermilk, Cocoa, and Flavorings: Remove the custard from heat and whisk in the buttermilk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, creating the classic rich red velvet flavor.
- Color Your Ice Cream: Slowly stir in the red food coloring a little at a time, mixing well between additions until the mixture reaches a vibrant, even red hue.
- Chill the Mixture Thoroughly: Cover the custard and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and ensure the mixture is cold before churning.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it thickens to a creamy, scoopable consistency.
- Freeze and Set: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours to fully set before serving.
Notes
- Use a rich, unsweetened cocoa powder to deepen the red velvet flavor.
- Chill the custard base thoroughly to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Do not overfill your ice cream maker; leave enough room for expansion during churning.
- Add the red food coloring gradually to avoid a bitter taste and achieve the perfect shade.
- Store ice cream in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface to minimize ice crystals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: red velvet ice cream, homemade ice cream, red velvet dessert, creamy ice cream, custard-based ice cream